Foot Posture Effects on Lower Extremity Running Injuries and Orthotics Effect on Comfort Levels, Injury Reduction Rate, and Performance

Abstract

Overuse injuries are common in physically active populations. Chronic lower extremity injuries can have both short- and long-term consequences on health and pose a burden to physically active people. Various predictions have been proposed to be causes of the incidence of lower extremity injuries, one being foot posture. This review compares ten different articles to examine neutral, pronation, supination, high arch, and flat foot posture to determine the effects on lower extremity injuries. It was concluded that foot posture does play a role in the likelihood of experiencing a lower extremity injury with any abnormal foot type increasing these odds. However, it was determined that a supinated foot had the biggest impact on the likelihood of experiencing these injuries, with supination following not far behind.